Dual circling exercise method and device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device and method using two generally opposing grips to guide a user&#39;s hands through generally circular movements for exercise of the human body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section. 119(e) of provisional Application Ser. No. 60/497,283, entitled “Dual Circling Exercise Device,” filed Aug. 22, 2003 and of provisional Application Ser. No. 60/488,517 entitled “Dual Circling Exercise Device,” filed Jul. 18, 2003 both of which applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention relates to an exercise method and an exercise device. More specifically, to an exercise device and method using guided upper body circular motion.

2. Related Art

A variety of resistance exercise devices are known in the art. Upper body devices generally involve a linear, or near linear stroke-type movement back and forth, or up and down to simulate weight lifting. The motion on these devices is substantially a back and forth or modified back and forth (up and down) linear motion. Circular motion running or steeping exercise device to simulate running or walking with connected pedals or treadles are known.

Back and forth linear motion exercise devices often require the user to start and stop at the end of each stroke-type movement. It would therefore be a desideratum to have a non-linear motion exercise device with reduced stops and starts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a circular motion exercise device. In Tai Chi the use of circular movement to build and utilize the “Chi” of the practioneer is well known. When using the circular motion exercise device and method the user's guided arm movement exercise muscles in the human body. The circular movements tend to be non-jarring. The user is positioned between two grips, such as handles. The grips are each attached to a guide. Each guide is pivotally attached to a support or base, whereby the grip has a limited route it can travel when the guide is rotated around the pivot.

In some exemplary implementations the bases or supports are generally placed opposing each other. The opposing relationship need not be parallel and may be variable, fixed or adjustable.

In some exemplary implementations the bases or supports are generally placed central to be situated approximately between a users legs.

During use, a user's hands each hold a hand grip. The movement of the grip around a pivot, guided through a generally circular or elliptical movement, also may direct the user's body to move up and down, side to side or both up and down and side to side. A guide associated with each grip provides for the guided movement. The guide may be a wheel, arm, lever or other movable member, the grip is guided in a generally circling path during exercise. Each grips can be moved or “driven” around the pivot on the guide in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. A support places the pivots in a selected or fixed position.

Resistance against which a user moves or drives the grips around the pivot can be added. Resistance may be friction based or frictionless. Weight, air, wheels, and magnets are some (but not an exclusive list) of resistance providing elements which may be frictionless. Gears, belts, wheels, clutches, brakes, weight are some, bit not an exclusive list of resistance elements which may use friction. Resistance may be provided by a combination of friction and frictionless elements. Resistance may be fixed, variable or adjustable.

In some exemplary implementations the exercise device may provide a guided non-resistance arm and body movement.

In some exemplary implementations the may provide a guided weighted arm and body movement.

In some exemplary implementations the exercise device may provide a guided resistance arm and body movement.

The resistance may be provided by a movable wheel, a clutch or brake, magnetically, and/or through air pressure.

The method of exercise is causing each arm of the user to be guided through a smooth motion, at least partially, around a pivot. The movement for each arm may be a full 360 degree circle around the pivot, or an arc (which represent a movement of less than 360 degrees around a pivot).

The guided movement of the user's arms may be together or staggered. The arms may both be moved clockwise around the pivots. The user's arms may be moved counter-clockwise around the pivots. The user may move one arm clockwise around on pivot and one arm counter clockwise around the other pivot.

Leg position may also be used to target a particular muscle group or body region during the method of exercise and the method of use of the device. Feet close in to a seat as opposed to legs outstretched. Feet apart as opposed to feet together. On foot outstretched and one foot close in. The device may be used from a kneeling position, seating, lying down or standing.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth, in part, in the descriptions which follow and the accompanying drawings, wherein the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described and shown, and in part, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings or may be learned by practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 1D and 1E are side sequential views of the a method of use of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a side view of the kneel use of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a side view of an alternate stand up embodiment of the dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 1H is a side view of an alternate lie down embodiment of the dual circling exercise device.

FIG. 2 is force application diagram of a circling wheel element.

FIG. 3 is a partial view of a circling wheel element with magnetic resistance.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of a circling wheel element with friction resistance.

FIG. 5 is another partial view of a circling wheel element with friction resistance.

FIG. 6A is an another embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 6B is force application diagram of a circling wheel element with circling disk.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of a circling wheel element and circling disk with magnetic resistance.

FIGS. 8A-8C are an another embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A with movable weight.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial views of a circling wheel element with air pressure resistance.

FIGS. 11A and 111B show another embodiment of the exercise device with magnetic resistance

FIG. 12 shows embodiment of the exercise device with friction resistance.

It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding elements.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Shown in FIGS. 1A-1E is a dual circling exercise device 10. A pair of guides shown as rotatable wheel elements 12 & 12′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to a spindle support 14 & 14′. The wheel elements need not be parallel. Each rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ is pivotally fixed to a support. In the implantation shown in FIGS. 1A-1E the support is a side base 16 & 16′. Each rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ may also be weighted. The weighting may be evenly distributed around the wheel or distributed unevenly. A hand grip 18 & 18′ is affixed to each rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′. During use each hand grip is held by a user 100 in the user's hands 102. To exercise with the device a user moves or “drives” each handle around at least an arc which is part of a generally circular pathway 1000 & 1000′ around each pivot 14 & 14′. The circular pathways 1000 & 1000′ are generally in the same plane. The user may move the handles together or separately. The user may move the handles clockwise or counterclockwise or one in each direction. The user can make slow movements or may use the device for a more aerobic workout by repeatedly circling the grips around the pivots on each side.

The user may grip the handles palm down or palm up. Those skilled in the art will recognize that grips shown as handles generally perpendicular to the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′, may be replaced with angled grips.

The hand grips may be fixed to the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′ guides. It is preferred that the grips can freely rotate where attached to the rotatable wheel element 12 & 12′. The user's arm and hand movements, as shown in FIGS. 1D & 1E drive the wheel element 12′ along the line of arrow 1000 around the spindle 14′. The spindle 14′ acts as a pivot. Only one wheel element is shown in the side view of FIGS. 1D & 1E, this is not a limitation the second wheel element is also being rotated as indicated by the movement of the back arm 104.

The user 100 can sit on a seat 20 as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, kneeling as shown in FIG. 1F, stand as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1G or lie down as shown in FIG. 1H. The seat may be connected to, or rest on, a base 22. To raise the side base 16 leg lifts 24 are attached to the bottom 26 of the side base 16.

Shown in FIG. 2 is a force diagram of a rotatable wheel element 12 showing regions where force may be applied. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the spindle 14 along the lines, generally, of arrow 510. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12 along the line of arrows 520. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12 along the line of arrow 522. The rotatable wheel element 12 may also be weighted, separately or in addition to the application a braking or resistive force. Those skilled in the are will recognize that the force diagram is applicable to other types of guides and the rotatable wheel elements are not a limitation.

FIG. 3 shows the application of a magnetic force at the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12. At the edge of the rotatable wheel element 12 a magnetic region 32 is provided. The magnetic region 32 may be magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. A magnet 34 is connected to the device (at the side base) in either a fixed or adjustable fashion in close proximity to the magnetic region 32. In FIG. 3 the position of the magnet 34 is adjustable. Moving the magnet in relationship to the magnetic region 32 varies the magnetic force applied to the magnetic region 32. The magnet rests on a movable base 36. One or more magnets 34 may be placed around the rotatable wheel element 12. Magnetic force is without friction.

Shown in FIG. 4 is a friction brake or clutch engaged at the spindle 14 whereby friction is applied to the spindle 14 along the line of arrow 510 to provide a resistive force. A spindle can be a shaft or rod no particular material is called out for, however the material should be suitable to withstand repeated application of frictional forces applied by brakes or clutches.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a friction roller 53 on a roller spindle 54 which is pressed against the edge 13 of the rotatable wheel element 12 to provide a resistive force. One or more rollers 53 may be placed around a rotatable wheel element 12.

FIGS. 6A and 6B differs from FIG. 1A by the attachment of a rotating disk 62 & 62′ affixed to each spindle 14 & 14′ inside the interior of each side base 64 and 64′. A foot rest 66 is also provided.

Shown in FIG. 6B is a magnetic or frictional force diagram of a rotating disk 62 and rotatable wheel element 12 showing regions where force may be applied to the rotating disk 62. A force may be applied to the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62 along the line of arrow 530. A magnetic or frictional force may be applied to the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62 along the line of arrows 540. The rotating disk 62 may also be weighted.

Shown in FIG. 7 shows the application of a magnetic force at the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62. At the edge of the rotating disk 62 a magnetic region 32 is provided. The magnetic region 32 may be a magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. A magnet 34 is affixed to the device (in the side base) in close proximity to the magnetic region 32. In FIG. 7 the magnet 34 is resting on a movable base 68. One or more magnets 34 may be placed around the rotating disk 62.

Shown in FIGS. 8A-8C is a dual rotating exercise device 70 wherein the guides are extended arms 72 & 72′. In this exemplary implementation the arms 72 & 72′ are connected to rotating disks. A pair of rotating disks 62 & 62′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to a spindle support 14 & 14′, to a side base 76 & 76′. Each rotating disk 62 & 62′ may also be weighted. A movable hand grip 78 & 78′ is affixed movably to each arm 72 & 72′. A slot 79 in each arm 72 & 72′ allows the hand grip 78 & 78′ to slide in relation to the spindle 14 and 14′. The spindle is the pivot point. Altering the distance of a hand grip to a pivot point changes the distance the users hand, arm and body are guided through when rotating an arm around the spindle 14. The change in position of the hand grip also changes the force required to move the arm.

Shown in FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary implementation, with a lifting weight added. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 operates similarly to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, however a weight 82, which may be a fixed amount or adjustable, is attached to the rotating disk 62. The weight 82 is held on a cable 84 which attaches to a cable mount 86 on the rotating disk 62. the cable is suspended from a cable guide 88. The weight travels up and down below the guide 88 corresponding to the movement of the rotating disk 62.

Sown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is a rotatable fan wheel element 90. Each fan wheel element 90 is constructed of two side wheels 92 & 92′. Spaced between the side wheels 92 & 92′ are fan blades 95 which extend from the pivot 14 to the periphery 96 of the fan wheel element. When a fan wheel element turns around the pivot 14 when the user engages the hand grip 18. The movement of the fan blades 95 through the air creates resistance against the fan blades 95.

Shown in FIGS. 11A-11B is a dual rotating exercise device 200 wherein the guides are extended arms 72 & 72′. In this exemplary implementation the arms 72 & 72′ are connected to rotating disks 62 & 62′. The rotating disks 62 & 62′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to an elongated spindle support 214 & 214′ which is movably fixed to a central support 220, which is affixed to a base 222. Each rotating disk 62 & 62′ may also be weighted. A movable hand grip 78 & 78′ is affixed movably to each arm 72 & 72′. A slot in each arm 72 & 72′ (shown in FIGS. 8A-C) allows the hand grip 78 & 78′ to slide. Each elongated spindle is the pivot point. Altering the distance of a hand grip to a pivot point changes the distance the users hand, arm and body are guided through when rotating an arm around the spindle 214 & 214′. The change in position of the hand grip also changes the force required to move the arm. A seat 224 is shown for the user to sit on.

Resistance can be increased by the application of a magnetic force at the edge 67 of the rotating disk 62. At the edge of each rotating disk 62 a magnetic region 32 is provided. The magnetic region 32 may be a magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. One or more magnets 34 are affixed to the device in close proximity to each magnetic region 32.

Shown in FIG. 12 is an exemplary implementation 250 with a friction brake 260 at the spindles 214 & 214′ whereby friction is applied to the spindles 214 & 214′ to provide a resistive force. Increasing the pressure of the friction brake 260 provides a greater force to rotate the spindles 214 & 214′ against. A screw-type handle 265 connected to each friction brake is shown.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, as shown in the accompanying drawing, shall be interpreted in an illustrative, and not a limiting sense. 

1. A method of exercise comprising: placing a user between two generally opposing rotatable wheel elements, each wheel element connected to a base through a pivot; grasping a grip connected to each wheel element; and, using at least the users arms to rotate grips and the wheel elements at least partially around the pivots.
 2. The method of claim 1 the method further comprising applying a resistive force to at least one of the rotatable wheel elements.
 3. The method of claim 1 the method further comprising applying a weight to at least one of the rotatable wheel elements.
 4. The method of claim 1 the method further comprising applying a force selected from the group consisting of friction and frictionless forces to at least one of the rotatable wheel elements.
 5. A method of exercise comprising: placing a user between two generally opposing rotatable guides, each guide connected to a support through a pivot; grasping a grip connected to each rotatable guide; and, using at least an arm to rotate the grip and guide at least partially around a pivot.
 6. The method of claim 5 the method further comprising applying at least a resistive force to at least one of the rotatable wheel elements.
 7. The method of claim 5 the method further comprising placing the user non-standing between the rotatable guides.
 8. An exercise device comprising: two generally opposing supports and pivots; a rotatable guide connected to each support at a pivot; and a grip connected to each rotatable guide
 9. The exercise device of claim 8 further comprising applying at least a resistive force to at least one of the rotatable guides.
 10. The exercise device of claim 8 further comprising a seat.
 11. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the guides are wheels.
 12. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the guides are arms.
 13. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the resistive force is frictional.
 14. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein the resistive force is non-frictional.
 15. The exercise device of claim 13 further comprising at least one of a brake and a clutch; whereby the frictional force is applied to the guide.
 16. The exercise device of claim 14 wherein the non-frictional force is magnetic.
 17. A method of exercise comprising: placing a user hands on two generally opposing grips on guides rotatably connected to a support through a pivot, whereby the movement of each grip is in a generally circular pathway; each circular pathway being generally in the same plane; and, using at least the user's arms to move the users hands holding onto the grips at least partially around a pivot support.
 18. The method of claim 17 the method further comprising applying a resistive force to require greater effort to move the grips around the pivot. 